As of April 1, 2026 BC Cancer Breast Screening will mail you a letter only if follow-up or action is needed. If your screening results are normal and no follow-up is needed, you will no longer receive a letter in the mail.
We will continue to mail you screening reminders when you’re due and results that need follow-up.
You can still get your results in other ways:
- Online through Health Gateway. These include screening reminder and result letters created on or after your account sign-up date and going back to November, 28, 2024
- You can contact your health care provider for your results.
- You can ask for a mailed copy of your results by calling the Breast Screening Client Services Centre at 1-800-663-9203.
Sending fewer letters helps reduce unnecessary mail.
Most results are ready about 3 weeks after your mammogram.
You may be asked to return for additional tests if we need to look more closely at a specific area of your breast. This does not mean a cancer was found – over 95% of those called for additional tests do not have cancer.
If additional images are needed, you'll be called directly by a diagnostic office to arrange an appointment for more tests.
About 10% of women will have an abnormal result because of changes seen on their
screening mammogram. They will need
further tests to find out what the changes are and to determine if treatment is needed.
What does an abnormal result mean?
An abnormal result means that you need more tests to obtain a better view of your breasts to determine if any treatment is needed. There are several conditions that are not cancerous. They include conditions like cysts, fibroadenomas, or fibrocystic breast tissue. Additional testing helps to determine if any changes should be a concern.
It's important to remember that about 9 out of 10 women who are recalled do not have breast cancer.
Additional tests can include one or more of the following:
• Diagnostic mammograms: takes x-rays of the area of concern.
• Ultrasound: uses sound waves to produce an image of the area.
• Needle Biopsy: takes sample of tissue from the area of concern.
This does not mean that a cancer was found – over 95% of those who are called for additional tests do not have cancer.
Once is not enough. Research has shown a 25% reduction in deaths from breast cancer among those who are screened every two years. BC Cancer Screening will send you a
reminder letter when it's time for your next mammogram.